In my last blog I introduced Michelle Ward’s Ambitious Project October Manhole Madness 2016. Every day of the month featured a different manhole marvel. If you have time to peruse the 31 day Manhole Cover Theme, you will be captivated (by the caps and covers of course.) Here are some of my favorite features:

October 4th:

I was happy to see the inclusion of Mimi Melnick’s Book “Manhole Covers” with photos by her husband Robert. For several decades Mimi and I were cheerleaders for each other’s work.

October 12th:Ildiko Laszlo’s Industrial Photos are impressive. She has lived in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Budapest (where she was born) and Italy over time, each place and culture adding color to my photographic palette. She loves light and has a insatiable curiosity for mystery and the enchanting. Her California residence, has a driveway constructed with stonework and found iron lids of all shapes from scrapyards. The adjacent retaining walls are ornamented with tile, glass, and every kind of brick. http://www.ildikolaszlo.com/industrial/

Oct. 16: Russ Muits has been on the hunt for nearly ten years – finding great covers and taking prints from them Storm Print City. He also created a collection of goods that benefit the children of Flint. Water cover prints turn around and give back to improve water in an area that has been traumatized. http://Prints for Flint

is a photographic documentation that takes the viewer on a walking journey through the urban streets of various Canadian, Scottish and American cities. This work collects souvenirs of travelled cities around the world using manhole covers to depict exploration of geographical locations along the artist’s life journey. http://louiselevergneux.com/artistsbooks/#/city/

Oct 26: Dwight PritchettDwight refers to his rubbings as “lifts.” That is a new term for us, but that is what they are. Dwight makes the impression of a cover with conte crayon on canvas. Then he returns to his studio to complete the original “Lift.”
He says he takes inspiration from the lighting, surrounding color and environment to finish the composition. Some of his titles tell you exactly what time he was on the streets. He tells the story better – see it here: http://artbydwight.com/about/Dwight Pritchett has been invited to contribute his story and photos on “Grate Thoughts,” Soon we will learn more about his fascinating art.

Dwight Pritchett

Dwight Pritchett:
The Sister Bridges at 6:00 AM

Oct. 28 Michele Brody is a mixed media installation artist. Michele is a manhole cover designer too! Recovering the City Scape is a public art project that recognizes lost New York City history, specifically buildings which no longer exist. Special cast covers, designed by Michele which reference architectural details of these buildings, will be placed near their locations. http://www.recoveringthecityscape.com Michele Brody’s historically oriented project begins with one unique cover designed to reference the former Assay Office.
Day 28 Read about Michele Brody’s Tours! of NY Underfoot and her Urban Illuminations based on manhole covers: http://michelleward.typepad.com/michelleward/2016/10/more-commissions.